Seducing travelers from the world over to return time and time again seems to comes naturally to France. As one of the world’s top tourist destination, this relatively small country packs a lot of architectural masterpieces, noteworthy museums and striking landscapes that are as chic as exceptional. Top it off with their selection of fine wine, cured meat delicacies, and everything that comes in one of those tiny glass jars, and the only thing to decide when planning a luxury holiday to France is which French resort town to explore.
Some swear that France is a summer destination with its luxurious villas overlooking the Mediterranean Sea while others believe that France is perfect for a luxurious winter skiing holiday with its adorable village-dotted French Alps. I believe that France is perfect for both. Winter or summer, let’s explore the two sides of a fabulous French holiday by exploring six picturesque villages that will not only impress you but delight you.
Courchevel 1850 – the “uber-luxury” French resort town
Set apart from the other three Courchevel resorts towns in the region with its Michelin-starred restaurants and exclusive nightclubs and considered by many to be the epitome of luxury, Courchevel 1850 is the home of glamorous skiing conditions. Après-ski is all the rave here as you can soak up the winter sunshine while enjoying jet-setters from around the world coming down the slopes in style.
Situated in the Trois Vallées, one of the world’s largest and most beloved ski areas in the world, Courchevel 1850 offers over 600km of slopes linked by 165 lifts, more than enough options to satisfy everyone in the family. From well-groomed slopes perfect for beginners to challenging off-piste terrain fit for expert snowboarders and skiers alike, Courchevel 1850 is a pricey winter destination that never disappoints.
Antibes-Juan-Les-Pins – the “Yachtie” French resort town
As the midpoint between Cannes and Nice on the legendary Côte d’Azur, Antibes-Juan-Les-Pins is everything a classic French resort town should be. Surrounded by over 20km of coastline overlooking the blues of the Mediterranean Sea and dotted by numerous public beaches, Antibes is also famous for its exclusive luxury villas, luxurious hotels, and jet-setting ambiance.
With over 100 superyacht berths available and a few hundred more for smaller vessels, Antibes is also known as the epicenter of yachting in Europe. It’s ‘Millionaire’s Quay’ is probably the most famous dock in the world as it attracts some of the most impressive superyachts ever designed, ranging from 60m to well over 100m. Whether you rent a yacht for a day, a week or a month, or whether you can only afford to walk along the docks, Antibes is a must-see on the French Riviera.
Val D’Isère – the “snowy” French resort town
Boosting several ski and snowboarding events each year such as the “Criterium de la Premiere Neige” (First Snow) series of World Cup races for men and women in December, Val D’Isère may not be the most scenic ski resort town in the Alps but its proximity to over 300km of snow-sure slopes makes it the ideal skiing destinations for anyone looking for some of the most varied and exciting skiing and snowboarding in the Alps.
“Val”, as it is known by regulars, is situated in a micro-climatic area that attracts several impressive snowfalls every year, but to guarantee that it always delivers on its snow promise, Val is also the proud parent of the “Snow Factory”, the biggest snow-making facility in Europe which can pump out 2,500 cubic meters of snow in an hour, the equivalent of covering a football field with a meter of powdery snow. Val D’Isère is all about that fresh powder.
Aix-en-Provence – the “quintessential” French resort town
Situated only 30km from Marseilles, but a world apart in every other sense, Aix-en-Provence represents without a doubt the very expression of French excellence. Since before the dawn of Instagram, Aix-en-Provence has attracted artists, artisans, and students alike forming a sort of cultural hotspot for anything intellectually French.
In Aix-en-Provence, the streets are lined with fountains, big and small, bubbling and spraying to the delight of onlookers. The Vieille Ville is bursting with tiny shops, historical sites and museums to explore at a leisure pace. And the main market by the Palais de Justice – Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat – is an affair to remember with its fresh produce, local delicacies and brick-à-brac souvenirs selection. Aix-en-Provence intoxicating attitude it everything we love about the French.
Chamonix – the “thrill-seeking” French resort town
Perfectly situated at the footsteps of the infamous Mount Blanc and nestled at the intersection of France, Italy, and Switzerland, Chamonix offers thrill-seeking skiing conditions for expert skiers who feel the bucket list urge to master the challenging slopes. But rest assured, you do not need to be an expert to ski down the infamous and oh-so-beautiful 20km Vallée Blanche glacier run.
The inauguration of the 11km Mont Blanc Tunnel has forever changed the landscape of Chamonix, making it accessible to anyone who can afford the 45 -euro tunnel journey. You may be stuck in traffic getting in and out of this dreamlike village, but the wait just makes it even better to find yourself skiing down its breathtaking slope with no one in sight.
Bonifacio – the “breathtaking” French resort town
Full of secrets and ancient beauty, Bonifacio is an absolute open-air museum that is both impressive visually and historically inspiring. Sitting at the edge of Corsica, and perched atop an imposing cliffside, this little French village will surprise you with its chic Italian feel reminiscent of La Dolce Vita, a life full of pleasure and indulgence.
Bonifacio is also a mecca for those who love to dive deep and discover what lies beneath the waters. The underwater topography of the Réserve Naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio is impressive to say the least with its trenches, pinnacles and sea mounts, canyons, and rocky ridges. All in all, Bonifacio is beautiful whether you explore what lies above or beneath its surface.
When planning your next luxury holiday in France, whether to spend your days gliding down its notorious ski slopes or lounging next to a sexy sea-side pool, remember that the beauty of France often lies from exploring the road packed with unrivaled vistas and spectacular terrain that leads up to its fabulous French resort towns. What are you waiting for? France is ready to receive you in all its beauty.
Sponsored post by Oxford Private Company. All opinions are my own.
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